The Prince and Princess of Wales have made their first joint public appearance since the summer break, an outing a royal commentator has described as a deliberate statement to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
William and Kate visited Everton's home stadium in Liverpool to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The engagement drew particular attention because the Princess of Wales joined her husband on what had been expected to be a solo assignment.
'Show of solidarity'
Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe said the appearance represented "the regal equivalent of flexing their combined muscles in a show of solidarity that sent a message to the Sussexes."
Larcombe added: "William and Kate clearly want to ensure they take centre stage as they brace for Harry and Meghan to make their next move." He also said Kate was "throwing down the gauntlet to her brother- and sister-in-law" as the couple would have been intent on making a declaration.
Upcoming overseas trip
Kate is also expected to accompany William to Mumbai in November for The Earthshot Prize ceremony, which would mark the couple's first official overseas engagement in four years. The timing of the trip appears to form another part of the Windsors' "strategy" to demonstrate their resolve to the Sussexes, according to Larcombe.
The couples, once dubbed the 'fab four', have been involved in a public dispute for several years, which has worsened since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and made allegations against William and Kate in the press.
Anticipated reunion
With Harry and Meghan's return to the UK, speculation has grown about a potential reunion, as Harry and William are believed likely to find themselves in each other's company. Larcombe suggested the joint appearances are a clear message to Harry and his wife ahead of that inevitable meeting, with the couple tackling "the challenge posed by Harry and Meghan head-on."
